Sliders for reclosable containers

ABSTRACT

A flexible reclosable container including profiles which are locked and unlocked by a slider. One embodiment of the slider has a pair of feet which extend from one end of the slider to the other end and which resist pulling of the slider off of the profiles. Another embodiment of the slider has three spaced pairs of feet which resist removal of the slider from the profiles. The slider in one embodiment has an enlarged central portion which facilitates grasping the slider and is easy to manufacture by die casting.

The present invention relates to reclosable containers, and morespecifically to fastener strips and sliders for flexible, reclosable.containers and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/330,140 filed Oct. 17, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Background of the Invention

One type of flexible reclosable container includes profiles which arelocked and unlocked by a slider which is moved along the profiles. Suchreclosable containers are used in form, fill and seal applications wherea product is prepacked and sold in the container as well as inapplications where the container is sold to the consumer for use by theconsumer in packaging the items desired to be packaged by the consumer.Whatever the application or use of the container, it is desirable thatthe slider and profiles be constructed in such a manner as to preventthe slider from easily being removed from the profiles. It is alsodesirable that the slider be inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the slider of the present invention for locking andunlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container mightinclude a body including a top and a pair of sidewalls, the body havingan interior bounded by the top and sidewalls. The body further includesa first pair of feet, a second pair of feet and a third pair of feet,all of said pairs of feet being for retaining the slider on the fastenerprofiles and guiding the slider along the profiles. The second pair offeet is positioned between and spaced from the first and third pair offeet.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of fastenerstrips each having a side wall with an upper portion. The fastenerstrips include a pair of opposing interlockable profile elements whichproject from the sidewalls of the fastener strips and are configured forrepeated locking and unlocking of the fastener strips. Each fastenerstrip has a flange extending from a location proximate the upper portionof the respective fastener strip. There is also included a slider havinga top and pair of opposing sidewalls and a separator for unlocking theprofile elements. The top has opposing sides and a central portiontherebetween. The sidewalls depend downwardly from the two opposingsides of the top. A separator depends downwardly from the centralportion of the top and has a first portion with a first width configuredfor unlocking the profile elements. The separator also has a secondportion attaching the first portion to the top, said second portionhaving a second width which is less than the first width. The flangesare adjacent one another when the profile elements are interlocked butthe flanges are also slidable between the top and the first portion andpast the attachment portion when the separator unlocks the profileelements.

Still another embodiment of the invention is a slider for locking andunlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container whichincludes a body having a top and a pair of sidewalls. The body has aninterior bounded by the top and the sidewalls and has a first dimensionin the same direction as the profiles. The body further includes a pairof feet retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding theslider along the fastener profiles. The body further includes aseparator for unlocking the profile elements with the separator beingmounted on the top, extending into the interior and extending the entirefirst dimension of said body.

Still another embodiment of the invention is a slider for locking andunlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container. Theslider includes a body having a top and a pair of sidewalls, the bodyhaving an interior bounded by the top and sidewalls and also having anopening end and a closing end. The body further includes a pair of feetretaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slideralong the fastener profiles. The pair of feet extend from the openingend of the body to the closing end. The body further includes aseparator depending downwardly from the top and a pair of closing barsprojecting inwardly from the sidewalls with the closing bars beingspaced downwardly from the separator.

Still a further embodiment of the invention is a slider for locking andunlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container. Theslider has an opening end and a closing end. The body includes a toptransverse section and a pair of sidewalls connected by the transversesection at the closing end. The transverse section has an inner verticalwall. The sidewalls each have a channel extending from the vertical wallof said transverse section to said opening end. There is also providedclosing bars mounted on the sidewalls at the closing end and extendinginwardly of the slider. The slider further includes a top portionslidingly received within the channels said top portion having aseparator mounted thereon and extending between the sidewalls forunlocking the fastener profiles.

Still a further embodiment of the invention involves a slider forlocking and unlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosablecontainer. The slider includes a body including a top and a pair ofsidewalls. The body has an interior bounded by the top and the sidewallsand also has an opening end and a closing end. The body further includesa pair of feet retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guidingthe slider along the fastener profiles. The body further includes aseparator depending downwardly from the top and a pair of closing barsprojecting inwardly from the sidewalls. The closing bars are spaceddownwardly from the separator and upwardly from the feet.

Still another embodiment of the invention is a slider for locking andunlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container. Theslider includes a body including a top and a pair of sidewalls with thebody having an interior bounded by the top and sidewalls and also havingan opening end and a closing end. The body further includes a pair offeet for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding theslider along the fastener profiles. The pair of feet extend from theopening end of the body to the closing end. The body further includes aseparator depending downwardly from the top and a pair of closing barsprojecting inwardly from the sidewalls with the closing bars beingspaced downwardly from the separator and upwardly from the feet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description upon reference to thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a side plan view of a flexible, reclosable containeraccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A as takenin the direction of the arrows along line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a slider of according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 as taken inthe direction of the arrows along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 as taken in thedirection of the arrows along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 as takenalong line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a slider according to another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 as taken inthe direction of the arrows along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 as taken in thedirection of the arrows along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 as taken inthe direction of the arrows along line 9-9 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a slider of according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an end elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 as takenin the direction of the arrows along line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 as taken inthe direction of the arrows along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 as takenin the direction of the arrows along line 13-13 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a slider body of according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an end elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 14 as takenin the direction of the arrows along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 14 as taken inthe direction of the arrows along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 14 as takenin the direction of the arrows along line 17-17 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a removable slider top usable with thebody of FIG. 14 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an end elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 18 as takenin the direction of the arrows along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 18 as taken inthe direction of the arrows along line 20-20 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 18 as takenin the direction of the arrows along line 21-21 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22A is a top plan view of an assembled two piece slider accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22B is an end elevational view of the slider assembly of FIG. 22Aas taken in the direction of the arrows along line 22B-22B of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a removable slider top according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an end elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a slider body according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of a removable slider top according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is an end elevational view of a slider according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is an end and bottom perspective view of a slider according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a bottom and end perspective view of the slider of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is an end and top perspective view of the slider of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is an end and bottom perspective view of the slider of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is an end elevational view of the slider of FIG. 29, includingcertain exemplary dimensions.

FIG. 34 is a bottom plan view of the slider of FIG. 33 as taken in thedirection of the arrows along line 34-34 of FIG. 33, and includingcertain exemplary dimensions.

FIG. 35 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment offastener profiles for a reclosable container with the profiles unlocked.

FIG. 36 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 1B of the fastenerprofiles of FIG. 36 showing the profiles in combination with the sliderof FIGS. 37-42.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a slider forming another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 38 is a further perspective view of the slider of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a section taken in the direction of the arrows along the line39-39 of FIG. 40 of the slider of FIGS. 37 and 38.

FIG. 40 is an elevation of the closing end of the slider.

FIG. 41 is a section taken in the direction of the arrows along the line41-41 of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the slider of FIGS. 37-41.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

FIG. 1A shows a flexible reclosable container 20 for containing aproduct, container 20 being useful for being formed, filled, and sealedwith goods, and also being useful when sold as an empty container.Container 20 comprises first and second sidewalls 22 and 24,respectively, which may be made from any suitable thermoplastic filmsuch as, for example, low density polyethylene, linear low densitypolyethylene, or similar materials. Sidewalls 22 and 24 include firstleft transverse side seal 28 and second right transverse side seal 30.Container 20 also includes a bottom edge 26 generally opposite a pair ofinterlocking fastener strips 32 and 34. Bottom edge 26 may include afold between sidewalls 22 and 24, such as for a container formed usingvertical form, fill and seal apparatus, or alternatively edge 26 mayinclude a seal between sidewalls 22 and 24, such as for a container 20formed using a horizontal form, fill, and seal apparatus.

Interlocking strips 32 and 34 of fastener profiles run along the topedge of container 20. Strips 32 and 34 are sealed together at endstops36 and 38. A formed docking station 39 is located near endstop 36. As analternative to a formed docking station, strips 32 and 34 can alsoincorporate one or more vertical slits 37 a and/or 37 b, as will bedescribed later. Strips 32 and 34 are sealed to each other and also tosidewalls 22 and 24 at corner seals 40 and 42. Corner seals 40 and 42are located along their respective edges of container 20. Seals 40 and42 are generally located below shoulders 45 and 47 of fastener strips 32and 34, respectively.

In one embodiment of the present invention, container 20 includes atamper-evident seal 43 between sidewalls 22 and 24. Seal 43 may be anextension of the interlocking strips that extend internally across theopening of container 20. Seal 43 may be integrally molded with thestrips, or may be attached separately. The broken or unbroken state ofseal 43 provides evidence to the user of whether or not container 20 hasbeen previously opened. A tamper evident seal is especially useful witha form, fill, and seal machine that inserts an edible product intocontainer 20.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, slider 148 is slidable upon fastenerstrips 32 and 34. Fastener strips 32 and 34 include a pair of verticalwalls 80 b and 80 a, respectively. A male profile element 82 b projectsoutwardly from wall 80 b. A female profile element 82 a projectsoutwardly from wall 80 a. Slider 148 is shown enclosing non-interlockedportions of fastener strips 34 and 32. Movement of slider 148 along thefastener strips results in either an interlocking of profiles 82 a and82 b, or an unlocking of profiles 82 a and 82 b. Female profile 82Aincludes an upper member 81 a which projects outwardly from strip wall82 a to a greater extent than lower member 81 b. Because of the greaterlength of upper member 81 a over 81 b, during interlocking of strips 32and 34 male profile element 82 b comes into contact first with uppermember 81 a, and second with lower member 81 b. In one embodiment of thepresent invention slider 148 includes a separator 162 having a verticaldepth from central portion 151 b sufficient to separate elements 82 aand 82 b as slider 148 is moved along the fastener strips in an openingdirection. Feet 160 b and 160 a of slider 148 retain the slider on theinterlocking strips by shoulders 45 and 47, respectively.

In another embodiment of the present invention, container 22 containsone or more vertical slits 37 a and 37 b that extend downward throughfastener strips 32 and 34 through the top portion of the fastenerstrips, but preferably not through the interlocking profile elements ofthe fastener strips. These slits 37 a and 37 b reduce the stressesimposed upon the fastener strips due to the presence of the sliderseparator when the slider is proximate to one of the endstops. Forexample, slit 37 b of bag 22 increases the flexibility of the topportion of the fastener strips such that there is reduced separationforce on the interlocked profile elements near endstop 38 when theslider and separator are docked adjacent to endstop 38. It should beunderstood, however, that not all embodiments of the invention includevertical slits 37 a and 37 b. For example, in one embodiment of theinvention, a docking station 39 is formed by pressing the slider againsta heated still-formable endstop 36. In such an embodiment the slits 37 aand 37 b are not necessary and not present.

FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 present top, end, bottom, and side elevationalviews of a slider 48 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. Slider 48 includes a body 49 which is preferably injectionmolded from a plastic material. In one embodiment, slider 48 slidinglyengages a pair of interlockable fastener strips of a flexible,reclosable container, similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As bestseen in FIG. 2, body 49 includes a closing end 49 a, through whichpasses a pair of interlocked fastener strips as slider 48 is moved in aclosing direction along the fastener strips. Body 49 further includes anopening end 49 b, through which passes the unlocked pair of fastenerprofile strips as slider 48 is moved in a closing direction along thestrips.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-5, body 49 also includes a top 50 having apair of central portions 51 a and 51 b which transversely span from onetop edge 51 c to an opposing top edge 51 d. A pair of opposing sidewalls52 a and 52 b depend downward from edges 51 c and 51 d, respectively, oftop 50. Sidewalls 52 a and 52 b each include a bottom edge 54 a and 54b, respectively, which are generally vertically opposite of top edges 51c and 51 d, respectively.

Top 50 and sidewalls 52 a and 52 b bound an interior 55 of slider 48.Projecting from each sidewall toward interior 55 are one or more feet.As best seen in FIG. 4, projecting inwardly from sidewall 52 a are feet56 a, 58 a, and 60 a. Projecting inwardly from sidewall 52 b are feet 56b, 58 b, and 60 b. Preferably, feet 56 a and 56 b are aligned facingeach other along the length of slider 48. Further, feet 58 a and 58 bare aligned facing each other, and feet 60 a and 60 b are aligned facingeach other. Preferably, slider 48 includes three pair of feet, withadjacent pairs of feet being spaced apart by a gap. Referring to FIGS. 4and 5, feet 56 a and 58 a are spaced apart by a gap 57 a, and feet 58 aand 60 a are spaced apart by a gap 59 a. Further, feet 56 b and 58 b arespaced apart by gap 57 b, and feet 58 b and 60 b are spaced apart by gap59 b. Feet 56 a and 56 b are located proximate opening end 49 b; feet 60a and 60 b are located proximate closing end 49 a.

The pairs of feet of the slider co-act with shoulders of the fastenerstrips to maintain the slider engaged with the fastener strips, andfurther to assist in guiding the sliding motion of the slider alongfastener strips. As best seen in FIG. 1B, shoulders 45 and 47 arelocated within the corners formed by the union of foot 160 b andsidewall 152 b and foot 160 a and sidewall 152 a, respectively. Anyattempt to vertically lift slider 148 from strips 32 and 34 is resistedby interference of shoulders 45 and 47 with feet 160 b and 160 a,respectively.

However, the integrity of shoulders 45 and 47 is sometimes compromisedby other features of container 20. Referring to FIG. 1 a, the placementof fused endstops 36 and 38 at opposite ends of fastener strips 32 and34 can distort or eliminate the edgemost portions of shoulders 45 and47. This distortion can reduce the co-action of the shoulders and feetthat keeps the slider engaged to the bag. For example, moving the slideras far as possible toward endstop 38 can result in disengagement of theendmost feet from the shoulders. On a slider having only two pairs ofopposing feet, the disengagement of one pair of feet from the shoulderpermits the user to inadvertently rotate the slider about the remainingpair of engaged feet, and subsequently lift the slider from the fastenerstrips. However, a slider according to one embodiment of the presentinvention includes a central pair of feet such as feet 58 a and 58 b.Even if feet 60 a and 60 b become disengaged from shoulders of thefastener strips, the central feet 58 a and 58 b and opening end feet 56a and 56 b remain engaged with the shoulders, discouraging or preventingrotation of the slider and its subsequent pull-off from the fastenerstrips.

The placement of gaps between adjacent pairs of feet permits someembodiments of the present invention to reduce the material cost andweight of the slider, in comparison to those sliders which include acontinuous foot along the length of the sidewalls from the opening endto the closing end. In addition, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, theplacement of the gaps can also facilitate design and fabrication of theinjection molding dies and also facilitate the injection moldingprocess. For example, gap 59 b is located below central portion 51 a andclosing bars 64 a and 64 b. Gap 57 b is located below central portion 51b and separator 62. In some embodiments, slider 48 is injection moldedin a two-part die, with the two die parts coming together in thevertical direction (vertical with reference to FIG. 5). In addition,central portions 51 a and 51 b of top 50 are spaced apart by a gap 61 b.Central portion 51 a is spaced apart from edge 49 a of body 49 by a gap61 a. Central portion 51 b is spaced apart from edge 49 b of body 49 bygap 61 c. As best seen in FIG. 5, gaps 61 a, 61 b, and 61 c are arrangedin alternating sequence with gaps 59 b and 57 b. Thus, a die half forinjection molding of slider 48 extending downward (as viewed on FIG. 5)includes solid portions which correspond to gaps 61 a, 61 b, and 61 c.The die half for injection molding of slider 48 which extends verticallyupward (to join with the top die half) includes solid portions generallywithin gaps 57 b and 59 b.

Referring again to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, slider 48 includes atriangular- or wedge-shaped separator 62 which extends from centralportion 51 b downward into interior 55. Separator 62 includes a narrowportion 62 b which begins spreading apart interlocked profiles when theslider is moved along the fastener strips toward the separator. A pairof closing bars 64 a and 64 b project downward from central portion 51a. Closing bars 64 a and 64 b are adapted and configured to interlockfastener strips sliding between the closing bars.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 depict top, end, bottom, and side elevational viewsof a slider according to another embodiment of the present invention.The use of an “N” 100 series prefix (NXX) with an element number (XX)refers to an element that is the same as the non-prefixed element (XX)previously described or depicted, except for the differences which aredescribed or depicted hereafter.

Slider 148 is substantially the same as slider 48, with one differencebeing the manner of coupling the separator to a central portion of thetop. Referring to FIG. 9, a triangular- or wedge-shaped separator 162 isattached to central portion 151 b of top 150 by an intermediateattachment portion 163. This attachment portion has a widthperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of slider 148 that is less than aseparating width 162 a of separator 162. Attachment portion 163 isdepicted with a square cross section, but can have a cross section ofany shape. Preferably, attachment portion 163 is integrally molded withseparator 162 and central portion 151 b.

This incorporation of a reduced width attachment portion above theseparator assists in maintaining slider 148 in engagement with a pair offastener strips. Referring to FIG. 1B, slider 148 is shown engaged witha pair of fastener strips 32 and 34. Each fastener strip includes a topflange 84 a and 84 b which projects inwardly from sidewalls 80 a and 80b, respectively, of fastener strips 34 and 32, respectively. Flanges 84a and 84 b provide a top closure of the fastener strips when thefastener strips are interlocked. Further, top flanges 84 a and 84 b arecaptured within interior 155 between the top surface of separator 162and the bottom surface of central portion 151 b. Flanges 84 a and 84 bextend inwardly from their respective sidewalls toward the interior suchthat a flange and sidewall wrap around separator 162. The use of areduced width section 163 accommodates the flanges by providingsufficient lateral space for their sliding movement through the slider.Further, any attempt to pull slider 148 off of bag 122 results ininterference between the top corners of separator 163 and the insidesurfaces of the flanges, thus increasing the strength of the attachmentof the slider 148 to strips 32 and 34.

FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13 present top, end, bottom, and side elevationalviews of a slider 248 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. Slider 248 includes a body 249 which is preferably injectionmolded from a plastic material. In one embodiment, slider 248 slidinglyengages a pair of interlockable fastener strips of a flexible,reclosable container, similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Body 249includes a closing end 249 a, through which passes a pair of interlockedfastener strips as slider 248 is moved in a closing direction along thefastener strips. Body 249 further includes an opening end 249 b, throughwhich passes the unlocked pair of fastener profile strips as slider 248is moved in a opening direction along the strips.

Referring again to FIGS. 10-13, body 249 also includes a top 250 havinga central portion which transversely spans from one top edge 251 c to anopposing top edge 251 d. A pair of opposing sidewalls 252 a and 252 bdepend downward from edges 251 c and 251 d, respectively, of top 250.Sidewalls 252 a and 252 b each include a bottom edge 254 a and 254 b,respectively, which are generally vertically opposite of top edges 251 cand 251 d, respectively.

Top 250 and sidewalls 252 a and 252 b bound an interior 255 of slider248. Projecting from each sidewall toward interior 255 are a pair ofopposing feet. As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, projecting inwardly fromsidewall 252 a is foot 256 a, and projecting inwardly from sidewall 252b is foot 256 b. Preferably, feet 256 a and 256 b are aligned facingeach other along the length of slider 248.

The pair of feet of the slider co-act with shoulders of the fastenerstrips to maintain the slider engaged with the fastener strips, andfurther to assist in guiding the sliding motion of the slider alongfastener strips. Referring to FIG. 1B, shoulders 45 and 47 are locatedwithin the corners formed by the union of foot 256 b and sidewall 252 band foot 256 a and sidewall 252 a, respectively. Any attempt tovertically lift slider 248 from strips 232 and 234 is resisted byinterference of shoulders 45 and 47 with feet 256 b and 256 a,respectively.

Slider 248 incorporates various improvements which reduce thepossibility a user will inadvertently pull slider 248 off of a pair offastener strips. As best seen in FIG. 11, each foot 256 a and 256 b isinclined upward toward top 250, forming an angle 256 c between the uppersurface of the foot and the inner surface of the corresponding sidewallthat is less than 90 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, angle 256c is less than about 75 degrees and more than about 20 degrees. Further,although FIG. 11 depicts an angled foot with substantially linearsurfaces, the present invention also contemplates the use of ahook-shaped cross section, including radiused or rounded portions.

Separator 262 of slider 248 includes a nose section 262 b which extendsfrom the triangular- or wedge-shaped portion of separator 262 to theface of the closing end 249 a. A nose 262 b that extends flush to theface of closing end 249 a limits the maximum travel of slider 248. Forexample, as best considered in reference to FIG. 1A, movement of aslider 248 toward endstop 36 results in contact of nose 262 b with theinnermost fused area of endstop 36. This contact limits the slidingtravel of slider 248, making it more difficult for a user to slideslider 248 such that a portion of the feet are no longer in contact withthe fastener strip shoulder, and thus more difficult to pull slider 248out of engagement with fastener strips 32 and 34.

As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 13, closing bars 264 a and 264 b projectinwardly from sidewalls 252 a and 252 b toward interior 255. Preferably,closing bars 264 a and 264 b are located vertically between the bottomsurface of separator 262 and the top surface of feet 256 a and 256 b.This manner of vertical location facilitates the use of a dieset forinjection molding that couples together along the longitudinal axis ofthe slider, with reference to FIG. 13 (i.e., a dieset that couplestogether in a direction parallel to the length of the fastener strips).

As can be best seen in FIGS. 11 and 13, slider 248 includes featureswith different vertical orientations to facilitate injection molding bya pair of dies that couple together in a longitudinal direction (i.e.the dies come together such that one die approaches from opening side249 b toward another die that approaches from closing side 249 a). Inthis manner, it is possible to mold certain features, such as the angledinterior corner represented by angle 256 c, that are difficult tofabricate with dies that approach each other vertically. This difficultyarises because of the vertical alignment of closing bars 264 a and 264 bdirectly above the angled interior surfaces of feet 256 a and 256 b,respectively. In contrast, in one embodiment of the present inventionthe dies approach each other longitudinally, and the open, interiorvolume beneath the bottom of the closing bars and the top of the angledfeet is easily reproduced by a complementary-shaped solid portion of alongitudinally-approaching die member.

FIGS. 14-21, 22A, and 22B depict a slider according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. These figures depict the two piecesof a two-part slider 348 for a reclosable container. FIGS. 14-17 show abody 349 with a pair of sidewalls 352 a and 352 b. FIGS. 18-21 show aseparately molded top 350 which is slidingly received within a track 366of body 349. FIGS. 22A and 22B show top and end views, respectively, ofthe assembled slider 348.

FIGS. 14-17 depict a body 349 which is similar to body 249 previouslydiscussed. However, body 349 includes a top transverse section 368 whichconnects sidewalls 352 a and 352 b. Sidewalls 352 a and 352 b eachinclude a channel section 366 a and 366 b, respectively, which extendfrom the face from opening end 349 b toward an inner vertical wall oftop transverse section 368. Extending inwardly from sidewalls 352 a and352 b are closing bars 364 a and 364 b which function to interlockfastener strips sliding between the closing bars.

FIGS. 18-21 depict a top portion 350, which includes a separator 362having a nose portion 362 b similar to nose portion 262 b previouslydescribed. However, top portion 350 is adapted and configured to beslidingly received within channels 366 a and 366 b, resulting in aslider 348 which is substantially similar to one piece slider 248.Preferably, separable top portion 350 is received within channels 366 aand 366 b in a light interference fit, such that friction maintains top350 coupled to body 349.

FIGS. 22A and 22B show top and end views, respectively, of an assembledtwo piece slider 348. Top 350 is shown inserted in channels 366 a and366 b.

FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 depict top, end, and side elevational views,respectively, of a separable top 350′ for a slider 348′. Slider 348′includes top 350′, slidingly received within channels 366 a and 366 b ofbody 349. Top 350′ is the same as top 350, except that separator 362′ isspaced apart from and underneath the bottom surface of slider 350′ by anattachment portion 363′. Attachment portion 363′ has a first width 363a′ which is less than a width 362 a′ of wedge-shaped separator 362′.

FIGS. 26 and 27 depict a body 349″ and separable top 350″ which can beassembled to form a slider. Body 349″ is the same as body 349, exceptthat channels 366 a″ and 366 b″ include angled interior surfaces, asbest seen in FIG. 26. Channels 366 a″ and 366 b″ are closest together ata location near 349 b″, with the distance between opposing walls of thechannels increasing as the channels extend toward closing end 349 a″.FIG. 27 depicts a top 350″ which is the same as top 350, except that top350″ includes angled side surfaces 351 c″ and 351 d″ that arecomplementary in shape to the inner walls of channels 366 a″ and 366 b″,respectively. As best seen in FIG. 27, the width of top 350″ isnarrowest toward the opening end (i.e., proximate the widest portion ofseparator 362″), and widest near the closing end (i.e., near the distalend of separator nose 362 b″).

Top 350″ is slidingly received within the channels of body 349″. As thewidest (or closing) end of top 350″ is pressed into the narrowest (oropening) end of body 349″, sidewalls 352 a″ and 352 b″ are spread apart.Lead-in chambers or tapers may be provided on both of the channel inletsof body 349″. Alternatively the insertion edge of top 350″ may havetapered corners, as shown, to assist in the insertion and spreadingapart of the sidewalls. After insertion, the sidewalls 352 a″ and 352 b″resiliently spring back to their original position, thus locking top350″ in place.

Although FIGS. 14-27 depict a separable top which is inserted into abody proximate the opening end 349 b, the present invention furtherincludes separable tops and receiving channels adapted and configuredfor insertion from opening end 349 a. Further, although what has beenshown and described is a separable top that is symmetrical about alongitudinal axis, the present invention also contemplates thoseseparable tops in which only one side includes an angled surface or someother feature which co-acts with the respective channel to lock thepositioned top in place in the body.

FIG. 28 shows an end elevational view of a slider 248′ according toanother embodiment of the present invention. Slider 248′ is the same asslider 248, except that the sidewalls 252 a′ and 252 b′ are angledinward, such that the bottom end of the sidewalls near feet 256 a′ and256 b′ is narrower than the distance between the sidewalls toward top250′. The included angle 252 c′ between top surface 250′ and theexterior surface of sidewall 252 a′ is less than 90 degrees, and in apreferred embodiment is less than about 85 degrees and more than about60 degrees. The included angle 252 d′ between top surface 250′ and theexterior surface of sidewall 252 b′ is less than 90 degrees, and in apreferred embodiment is less than about 85 degrees and more than about60 degrees. Although what has been shown and described are inwardlyangled walls with substantially flat surface, the present invention alsocontemplates those embodiments in which the walls include rounded,non-planar surfaces.

FIGS. 29-34 present various views of a slider 448 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. Slider 448 includes a body 449which is preferably injection molded from a plastic material. In oneembodiment, slider 448 slidingly engages a pair of interlockablefastener strips of a flexible, reclosable container, similar to thatshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Body 449 includes a closing end 449 a, throughwhich passes a pair of interlocked fastener strips as slider 448 ismoved in a closing direction along the fastener strips. Body 449 furtherincludes an opening end 449 b, through which passes the unlocked pair offastener profile strips as slider 448 is moved in a opening directionalong the strips.

Referring again to FIGS. 29-34, body 449 also includes a top 450 havinga central portion which transversely spans from one top edge 451 c to anopposing top edge 451 d. A pair of opposing sidewalls 452 a and 452 bdepend downwardly from edges 451 c and 451 d, respectively, of top 450.Sidewalls 452 a and 452 b each include a bottom edge 454 a and 454 b,respectively, which are generally vertically opposite top edges 451 cand 451 d, respectively.

Top 450 and sidewalls 452 a and 452 b bound an interior 455 of slider448. Projecting from each sidewall toward interior 455 are a pair ofopposing feet. Projecting inwardly from sidewall 452 a is foot 456 a,and projecting inwardly from sidewall 452 b is foot 456 b. Preferably,feet 456 a and 456 b are aligned facing each other along the length ofslider 448.

The pair of feet of the slider co-act with shoulders of the fastenerstrips to maintain the slider engaged with the fastener strips, andfurther to assist in guiding the sliding motion of the slider alongfastener strips. Referring to FIG. 1B, shoulders 45 and 47 are locatedwithin the corners formed by the union of foot 456 b and sidewall 452 band foot 456 a and sidewall 452 a, respectively. Any attempt tovertically lift slider 448 from strips 432 and 434 is resisted byinterference of shoulders 45 and 47 with feet 456 b and 456 a,respectively.

Slider 448 incorporates various improvements which reduce thepossibility a user will inadvertently pull slider 448 off of a pair offastener strips. As best seen in FIG. 33, each foot 456 a and 456 bincludes an upstanding projection or lip 457 a and 457 b, respectively.These projections 457 a and 457 b extend generally toward interior 455of slider 448 from a generally horizontal central portion of feet 456 aand 456 b, respectively. Further, although FIG. 33 depicts an upwardlyangled projection with substantially linear surfaces, the presentinvention also contemplates the use of a hook-shaped cross section,including radiused or rounded portions.

Separator 462 of slider 448 includes a nose section 462 b which extendsfrom the triangular- or wedge-shaped portion of separator 462 to theface of the closing end 449 a. A nose 462 b that extends flush to theface of closing end 449 a limits the maximum travel of slider 448. Forexample, as best considered in reference to FIG. 1A, movement of aslider 448 toward endstop 36 results in contact of nose 462 b with theinnermost fused area of endstop 36. This contact limits the slidingtravel of slider 448, making it more difficult for a user to slideslider 448 such that a portion of the feet are no longer in contact withthe fastener strip shoulder, and thus more difficult to pull slider 448out of engagement with fastener strips 32 and 34.

As best seen in FIG. 34, closing bars 464 a and 464 b project inwardlyfrom longitudinal midpoints of sidewalls 452 a and 452 b toward interior455. Preferably, closing bars 464 a and 464 b are located verticallybetween the bottom surface of separator 462 and the top surface of feet456 a and 456 b, as best seen in FIG. 33. This manner of verticallocation facilitates the use of a dieset for injection molding thatcouples together along the longitudinal axis of the slider (i.e., adieset that couples together in a direction parallel to the length ofthe fastener strips).

Slider 448 includes features with different vertical orientations tofacilitate injection molding by a pair of dies that couple together in alongitudinal direction (i.e. the dies come together such that one dieapproaches from opening side 449 b toward another die that approachesfrom closing side 449 a). In this manner, it is possible to mold certainfeatures, such as the lowered elevational portion of the feet betweenthe innermost projections (457 a and 457 b) and the inner surface of thewalls of the slider body (452 a and 452 b, respectively), that aredifficult to fabricate with dies that approach each other vertically.This difficulty arises because of the vertical alignment of closing bars464 a and 464 b directly above the interior surfaces of feet 456 a and456 b, respectively. In contrast, in one embodiment of the presentinvention the dies approach each other longitudinally, and the open,interior volume beneath the bottom of the closing bars and the top ofthe angled feet is easily reproduced by a complementary-shaped solidportion of a longitudinally-approaching die member.

Slider 448 also includes exterior features which provide a more positivefeel and improved gripping surface for the user, regardless of whetherthe slider is moved in the opening or closing direction. Slider 448includes angled or contoured exterior surfaces 472 a and 472 b whichextend outwardly away from interior 455 as the exterior surfacestraverse longitudinally from closing end 449 a toward the middle ofslider body 449. Likewise, the other half of the slider body includeswalls 452 a and 452 b which include exterior surfaces 470 a and 470 bthat extend away from interior 455 in a direction from opening end 449 btoward a midpoint of the slider body. The juncture of outer surfaces 470a and 472 a meet along a generally vertical ridge 474 a which ispreferably near a midpoint along the length of body 449. The juncture ofouter surfaces 470 b and 472 b meet along a generally vertical ridge 474b which is preferably near a midpoint along the length of body 449.

As best seen in FIG. 34, ridges 474 a and 474 b are located a greaterdistance from the centerline of body 449 b than other points alongvertical walls 452 a and 452 b, respectively. These central ridges andangled or curving exterior walls provide for easier gripping and controlof slider 448 by the user. For example, when moving the slider in adirection to interlock the profiles, the user places his fingers on theoutwardly flaring wall surfaces 472 a and 472 b and pushes gentlyagainst ridges 474 a and 474 b, which is gripped more easily and withless need for surface friction than otherwise flat, planar exterior wallsurfaces. As another example, when moving the slider in a direction tounlock the profiles, the user places his fingers on the outwardlyflaring wall surfaces 470 a and 470 b and pushes gently against ridges474 a and 474 b, which is gripped more easily and with less need forsurface friction than otherwise flat, planar exterior wall surfaces.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for areclosable container, comprising a pair of fastener strips each having asidewall with a top, the fastener strips including a pair of opposinginterlockable profile elements projecting from the sidewalls of thefastener strips and adapted and configured for repeated locking andunlocking of the fastener strips. Each fastener strip has a flangeextending from a location proximate the top of the respective fastenerstrip. The apparatus further includes a slider comprising a bodyincluding a top with a pair of opposing sides and a central portiontherebetween, a pair of opposing sidewalls, and a separator forunlocking the profile elements. Each sidewall depends downward fromopposing edges of the top. The separator depends downward from thecentral portion of the top, and has a first portion with a first widthadapted and configured for unlocking the profile elements. The separatoris attached to the top by an attachment portion having a second widththat is less than the first width. When the slider is coupled to thefastener strips, at least one of the flanges is able to slide betweenthe top of the body and the first portion, and also past the attachmentportion. Preferably, the flanges overlap one another when the profilestrips are interlocked.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a slider forlocking and unlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible, reclosablecontainer, comprising a body including a top and a pair of opposingsidewalls. Each of the sidewalls depend downward from the top and have abottom edge spaced away from the top. The body has an interior boundedby the top and the sidewalls. The apparatus includes a first pair offeet for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding theslider along the fastener profiles, each of the first pair of feetprojecting from a different one of the sidewalls toward the interioralong the bottom edge. The apparatus includes a second pair of feet forretaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slideralong the fastener profiles, each of the second pair of feet projectingfrom a different one of the sidewalls toward the interior along thebottom edge. The apparatus includes a third pair of feet for retainingthe slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along thefastener profiles, each of the third pair of feet projecting from adifferent one of the sidewalls toward the interior along the bottomedge. The second pair of feet are placed between and spaced apart fromthe first pair of feet and the third pair of feet along the bottom edge.The apparatus preferably includes a pair of closing bars, each of thebars projecting from a different one of the sidewalls toward theinterior and located intermediate of the top and the respective bottomedge. The closing bars are located along the respective sidewall inbetween the first pair of feet and the second pair of feet. Preferably,each of the first pair of feet opposes each other, each of the secondpair of feet opposes each other, and each of the third pair of feetopposes each other.

Referring now to FIGS. 35-42, there is illustrated a further embodimentof the present invention. Referring particularly to FIG. 36 there isshown a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 1 b of a slider 548 whichis slidable upon fastener strips 532 and 534. The description andshowing above with reference to FIG. 1A is also pertinent as regards theconstruction application and operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 35-42.

Referring to FIG. 36, slider 548 is slidable upon fastener strips 532and 534. Fastener strips 532 and 534 include a pair of vertical walls580 a and 580 b, respectively. A male profile 582 b projects outwardlyfrom wall 580 a. A female profile element 582 a projects outwardly fromwall 580 b. Slider 548 is shown enclosing non-interlocked portions offastener strips 534 and 532. Movement of slider 548 along the fastenerstrips results in either an interlocking of profiles 582 a and 582 b, oran unlocking of profiles 582 a and 582 b. Female profile 582 a includesan upper member 581 a and also a lower member 581 b. Slider 548 includesa separator 562 having a vertical depth from central portion 551 bsufficient to separate elements 582 a and 582 b as slider 548 is movedalong the fastener strips in an opening direction. Feet 560 b and 560 aof slider 548 retain slider 548 on the interlocking strips by shoulders545 and 547, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 37-42, slider 548 includes a body 549 which ispreferably injection molded from a plastic material. Body 549 includes aclosing end 549 a through which passes interlocked fastener strips of aflexible, reclosable container such as that shown in FIG. 1 a. When theslider 548 is moved in a closing direction along the fastener strips,the interlocked profiles pass out of the closing end 549 a. Body 549further includes an opening end 549 b through which passes the unlockedpair of fastener profile strips as slider 548 is moved in a openingdirection along the strips.

Body 549 also includes a top 550 and a pair of opposing side walls 552 aand 552 b which depend from the top 550. Projecting inwardly fromsidewall 552 a is foot 556 a. Projecting inwardly from sidewall 552 b isfoot 556 b. The feet 550 a and 550 b are relatively stout or thick andalso extend the entire length of the slider from the closing end 549 ato the opening end 549 b. The single pair of feet of the slider coactwith the shoulders 545 and 457 to firmly retain the slider on thefastener strips. Because the feet 550 a and 550 b extend the entirelength of the slider there is little tendency for the feet to becomedisengaged with the shoulders thus preventing or reducing pull-off ofthe slider from the fastener strips.

The slider 548 further includes the separator 562 which as shown inFIGS. 38, 39, 40 and 41 has, at least in part, a wedge-shaped ordiamond-shaped portion 562 a and straight or elongated portion 562 b.The separator 562 is adapted and configured to unlock and separate theprofiles as shown in FIG. 36 when the slider is moved in the openingdirection on the fastener strips. Mounted on the sidewalls 552 a and 552b are closing bars 564 a and 564 b which are adapted and configured tointerlock fastener strips sliding between the closing bars.

The slider 548 includes features with different vertical orientations tofacilitate injection molding by a pair of dies that couple together in alongitudinal direction (i.e. the dies come together such that one dieapproaches from closing end 549 a toward another die that approachesfrom opening end 549 b). A pair of slots 570 are provided to facilitateorienting the sliders when it is fed in a parts feeder for assembly onthe fastener strips.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and thatall changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinvention are desired to be protected. In the following claims the termsvertical, horizontal, above and the like are used not in an absolutesense but instead in a relative sense so as to orient the variouselements of the claim relative to one another.

1-6. (canceled)
 7. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastenerprofiles of a flexible reclosable container comprising: (a) a bodyincluding a top and a pair of sidewalls, said body having an interiorbounded by the top and the sidewalls and having a first dimension in thesame direction as said profiles; (b) said body further including a pairof feet for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guidingthe slider along the fastener profiles; and (c) said body furtherincluding a separator for unlocking the profile elements, said separatorbeing mounted on said top and extending into said interior and extendingthe entire first dimension of said body.
 8. The reclosable container ofclaim 7 wherein said slider includes: (a) a first pair of feet forretaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slideralong the fastener profiles; (b) a second pair of feet for retaining theslider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along thefastener profiles; (c) a third pair of feet for retaining the slider onthe fastener profiles and guiding the slider along the fastenerprofiles; and (d) said second pair of feet being positioned between andspaced from said first and third pair of feet.
 9. A slider for lockingand unlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable containercomprising: (a) a body including a top and a pair of sidewalls, saidbody having an interior bounded by the top and the sidewalls, said bodyhaving an opening end and a closing end; (b) said body further includinga pair of feet for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles andguiding the slider along the fastener profiles, said pair of feetextending from the opening end of said body to the closing end; and (c)said body further including a separator depending downwardly from saidtop and a pair of closing bars projecting inwardly from said sidewalls,said closing bars being spaced downwardly from said separator.
 10. Theslider of claim 9 wherein said separator extends from said closing endto said opening end.
 11. The slider of claim 9 wherein said feet arespaced downwardly from said separator and said closing bars.
 12. Theslider of claim 11 which is formable by a pair of dies moving intoengagement with one another by movement in a horizontal direction, saidslider having no gaps or recesses that are not filled by said dies whensaid dies are in engagement with one another to form the slider.
 13. Theslider of claim 9 wherein said feet extend inwardly from said sidewallsat an angle of less than 90 degrees.
 14. The slider of claim 9 whereinsaid feet extend inwardly from said sidewalls at an angle ofapproximately 70 degrees.
 15. The slider of claim 9 wherein the body hasa central portion, said body being tapered from its closing end to thecentral portion which is larger than said closing end, said body beingtapered from its opening end to said central portion which is largerthan said opening end.
 16. A slider for locking and unlocking thefastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container comprising: (a) aslider having an opening end and a closing end; (b) a body including atop transverse section and a pair of sidewalls connected by saidtransverse section at said closing end, said transverse section havingan inner vertical wall, said sidewalls each having a channel extendingfrom the vertical wall of said transverse section to said opening end,closing bars mounted on said sidewalls at said closing end and extendinginwardly of said slider; and (c) a top portion slidingly received withinsaid channels, said top portion having a separator mounted thereon andextending between said sidewalls for unlocking said fastener profiles.17. The slider of claim 16 wherein the separator extends from saidopening end to said closing end, said slider having feet extendinginwardly from said sidewalls for retaining said slider on said fastenerprofiles.
 18. The slider of claim 17 wherein said feet extend from saidopening end to said closing end.
 19. The slider of claim 18 wherein saidfeet extend inwardly from said sidewalls at an angle of less than 90degrees.
 20. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener profiles ofa flexible reclosable container comprising: (a) a body including a topand a pair of sidewalls, said body having an interior bounded by the topand the sidewalls, said body having an opening end and a closing end;(b) said body further including a pair of feet for retaining the slideron the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along the fastenerprofiles; and (c) said body further including a separator dependingdownwardly from said top and a pair of closing bars projecting inwardlyfrom said sidewalls, said closing bars being spaced downwardly from saidseparator and upwardly from said feet.
 21. A slider for locking andunlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable containercomprising: (a) a body including a top and a pair of sidewalls, saidbody having an interior bounded by the top and sidewalls, said bodyhaving an opening end and a closing end; (b) said body further includinga pair of feet for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles andguiding the slider along the fastener profiles, said pair of feetextending from the opening end of said body to the closing end; and (c)said body further including a separator depending downwardly from saidtop and a pair of closing bars projecting inwardly from said sidewalls,said closing bars being spaced downwardly from said separator andupwardly from said feet.
 22. A slider for locking and unlocking thefastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container comprising: (a) abody including a top and a pair of sidewalls, said body having aninterior bounded by the top and the sidewalls, said body having anopening end and a closing end; (b) said body further including a pair offeet for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding theslider along the fastener profiles; (c) said body further including aseparator depending downwardly from said top and a pair of closing barsprojecting inwardly from said sidewalls; and (d) said body having alargest dimension and tapering to a smaller dimension in the directionof said fastener profiles whereby said body can be cast in one piecewith the casting dies removable in the direction of said profiles. 23.(canceled)
 24. The slider of claim 22 wherein said separator extendsfrom said closing end to said opening end.
 25. The slider of claim 22wherein said separator extends between said closing end and said openingend but said separator is shorter than the distance between said closingend and said opening end.
 26. The slider of claim 22 wherein said feetextend from said opening end to said closing end.
 27. The slider ofclaim 22 which is formable by a pair of dies moving into engagement withone another by movement in a horizontal direction, said slider having nogaps or recesses that are not filled by said dies when said dies are inengagement with one another to form the slider.